UAAP: Just 2 games in, UP already having its best season in years

UP Fighting Maroons in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIREr.net

MANILA, Philippines — The new-look University of the Philippines has already surpassed its past two forgettable 1-13 campaigns after winning its first two games in the UAAP Season 87 women’s volleyball tournament.

Niña Ytang, part of those cellar-dwelling seasons, attributed their impressive 2-0 start to the unity of the Fighting Maroons despite having a new system under coach Benson Bocboc and new players led by prized rookie Kianne Olango.

READ: UAAP: Determined Joan Monares continues to shine for UP

“Our whole team has the same goal—to give our best in every game. It hasn’t been too hard for us, especially with the new coaches and players, because they also want to help the team,” said Ytang, who had 15 points off nine kills, four blocks, and two aces in their 23-25, 25-23, 25-17, 25-23 win over Far Eastern University on Wednesday at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City.

The fourth-year middle blocker likes their progress under Bocboc, who is bringing his experience from the coaching staff of La Salle coach Ramil De Jesus and in the PVL with Farm Fresh.

UP Fighting Maroons’ Nina Ytang. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

The Fighting Maroons found firepower from vastly improved Joan Monares, who emerged as the team’s leading scorer in the past two games, as well as Olango and Irah Jaboneta, with their offense balanced by setter Jaz Manguilimotan.

READ: UAAP: UP fends off FEU, goes 2-0 in women’s volleyball

“They just love playing volleyball, and that’s what’s great about the younger generation—they don’t care if they get hurt as long as they keep the ball in play. But for us, the goal is to stay consistent. That defense, those blocks—we keep working on all of it,” Bocboc said.

Ytang and the Fighting Maroons will not be contented by their league-leading 2-0 record tied with defending champion NU as they remain hungry for more.

“It feels amazing to start the season with wins. We’ll do our best and give it our all throughout the season,” said the former UAAP Best Middle Blocker.

Ytang and UP eye their third win against short-handed Ateneo on Sunday at Mall of Asia Arena, staying focused on their team’s own progress amid facing an injury-riddled Blue Eagles.

“You mentioned that they’re missing players, but we shouldn’t think that way. We still need to give our all, play with heart, and leave everything on the court,” she said.